Description
Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle is a classic homemade candy featuring crunchy roasted peanuts embedded in a rich, buttery caramel base. This easy-to-make treat combines simple pantry ingredients into a perfectly crisp brittle with a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Nuts and Additions
- 1 cup peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a large rimmed baking sheet or line it with a silicone baking mat for easy removal of the brittle. Set the pan aside to have it ready for pouring the hot mixture.
- Combine Sugar Mixture: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, add white sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture starts to boil, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Peanuts and Heat to Hard Crack Stage: Stir in the peanuts and secure a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 300 to 310 degrees Fahrenheit (150 to 155 degrees Celsius). Avoid excessive stirring to prevent the brittle from becoming grainy.
- Finish the Brittle: Remove the pot from heat immediately once the hard crack temperature is reached. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter and baking soda; the mixture will foam and lighten in color.
- Shape the Brittle: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using two forks, quickly lift and pull the mixture to stretch and spread it into a roughly 12 by 14 inch rectangle. Work swiftly before the candy hardens.
- Cool and Break into Pieces: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely and firm up for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Once hardened, use a mallet or your hands to break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve or Package: Enjoy your homemade peanut brittle as a snack or package in cellophane bags with ribbons for gifting. For variation, try substituting macadamia nuts for a gourmet twist.
Notes
- Using a silicone baking mat instead of greasing the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Replace peanuts with macadamia nuts or other nuts to create different flavor variations.
- Work quickly after adding butter and baking soda because the candy sets fast at this stage.
- Ensure the candy thermometer is accurate to reach the correct hard crack temperature for proper texture.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to keep it crisp and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (28g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
